Pacific Paleontology

This year marked an exciting milestone for the Central Coast SBDC as we proudly presented our center’s first-ever Business of the Year Award to Pacific Paleontology — PaPa Inc. at the 29th Annual Gala of the Monterey County Business Council. This recognition honors the remarkable journey of founder Wayne Thompson, whose vision, determination, and partnership with the SBDC have brought science, innovation, and community engagement together in a way that truly sets his business apart.

Wayne launched Pacific Paleontology in 2022 as a graduate of Cohort 2 of the Central California SBDC Network’s California Dream Fund training program. Like many entrepreneurs, he came to us with a dream — but unlike most, his dream involved unearthing the past to help shape California’s future. With the help of the seed grant he earned through the Dream Fund, Wayne quickly set his sights on the specialized world of government contracting. He recognized early on that paleontological mitigation services fill a vital but often overlooked role in major construction and development projects — especially along the coast, where the next excavation could uncover anything from ancient whale bones to tribal artifacts.

In less than three years, Wayne has turned that seed of an idea into a thriving, one-of-a-kind business that has reported ten government contracts with more on the horizon. From the San Jose Alviso Microsoft Data Center and MST SURF! Bus Rapid Transit Project to local school improvements and major subdivision work, Pacific Paleontology is ensuring that the stories buried beneath our feet are handled with the care and expertise they deserve.

But Wayne’s impact doesn’t stop at contracts and compliance. With a natural instinct for sparking curiosity, he has created internship opportunities for kids and adults alike, opening doors to careers in science and conservation that many in our region may never have imagined. His work inspires a new generation to see paleontology not just as a subject in textbooks but as a living, evolving field connected to the places they call home.

Wayne’s relationship with the SBDC has been a model of what our services are designed to do: empower entrepreneurs to ask the right questions, test new ideas, and navigate the often complex world of business ownership. From securing the California Dream Fund Grant to tackling the intricacies of government bids, Wayne has leaned on every resource we offer — including on-demand webinars, the Central California Regional Business Advisor program, and more than 20 hours of one-on-one expert advising. He’s attended over ten SBDC training events, each time sharpening his knowledge and strategy to position his company for the next level of growth.

His curiosity and commitment remind us that not every business comes with a storefront or a product on a shelf. Sometimes, the greatest value a business can offer is hidden in the ground beneath our communities — waiting for someone like Wayne to bring it to light.

We are proud to stand beside Wayne and Pacific Paleontology as our very first SBDC Business of the Year — a testament to the power of entrepreneurial spirit, dedicated advising, and the incredible impact that can be made when we work together to help local businesses thrive in unexpected and meaningful ways.

Learn more about Pacific Paleontology: https://www.pacificpaleontology.com/